Coney Island is set to undergo a sweeping transformation under new city plans to bring 1,500 mixed-income homes to the People’s Playground, alongside substantial investments in the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk, utilities, and other community amenities.
The Abe Stark Sports Center will also undergo a $42 million renovation, including a new entrance and signage on the boardwalk, improved ice-skating facilities, and other amenities.
Mayor Eric Adams announced the plans on Thursday as part of his administration’s larger vision to reinvigorate the area and “turn this waterfront community into the best place to raise a family, live, and play.”
“We are delivering mixed-income affordable housing, investing $42 million to renovate the Abe Stark Sports Center, and making significant improvements across streets, sewers, and the public realm,” said Adams. “Coney Island’s best days still lie ahead. Today, we started the next chapter in its bright future.”
The city’s development efforts will begin with the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a 500-plus-unit mixed-income housing project on “Parcel A,” a city-owned site located between West 21st and 22nd streets. This development, part of the broader “Coney Island West” initiative, will provide a combination of affordable housing and retail space, with 25% of the units designated as affordable.
According to the city, the $42 million renovation of the Abe Stark Sports Center will bring improved facilities, including a new entrance and ice-skating amenities, making it a more accessible and modern space for the community. In addition, the Riegelmann Boardwalk — which locals have long said is in need of repair and upgrades — will undergo a significant reconstruction to enhance its accessibility and resilience to rising sea levels.
“These improvements to the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk and the Abe Stark Sports Center will help ensure that New Yorkers and visitors can enjoy all that Coney Island has to offer for generations to come, reaping the mental and physical health benefits of time outdoors,” said NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue.
In total, the city is advancing the development of approximately 1,500 new homes on city-owned land near the ballpark, boardwalk, and Abe Stark Sports Center. The development, which began with the construction of affordable housing projects like Surf Vets Place and Raven Hall, will continue with additional residential buildings and commercial spaces.
Alongside the project, the city is working to prepare for extreme weather events and climate change. Shoreline enhancements along Coney Island Creek are in progress, with a $2.1 million FEMA grant funding infrastructure improvements to mitigate flooding risks.
“The projects underway in Coney Island West will bring hundreds of new, affordable homes to the community and help deliver on the mayor’s commitment to consider all publicly owned lots for new housing development,” said Andrew Kimball, president and CEO of the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).
The project could be just one massive change coming to Coney Island as developers vie for a state gaming license and permission to build a massive casino in the nabe. Locals have been locked in a fierce battle over the proposed casino for months as “The Coney” prepares to submit its license application to the Gaming Facility Location Board.
Developers — led by local Thor Equities – say the casino would bring thousands of jobs and year-round economic opportunities to the nabe. While some residents say they have nothing to lose by embracing the casino, many are staunchly opposed — believing it’s more likely to displace longtime residents and local businesses and fundamentally change the character of the neighborhood.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork.
